A medal ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, November 9, 2026, saw the Armed Forces of the Philippines formally honor two of its enlisted athlete-representatives, while also taking in ₱1 million in proceeds from the Heroes Golf Tournament for the AFP Educational Benefit System Office.
Two Soldier-Athletes Decorated at Camp Aguinaldo
AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete personally conferred Meritorious Achievement Medals (MAM) on Sergeant Jason D. Huerte of the Philippine Air Force and Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Carlo C. Paalam of the Philippine Navy, the AFP Public Affairs Office confirmed in a press release dated November 9, 2026.
Major General Ramon P. Flores, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (J1), stood alongside General Nafarrete during the formal presentation of the awards to both soldiers.
According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, the medals were granted in recognition of the two soldiers' "invaluable service and accomplishments" as AFP athlete-representatives at the 20th Asian Games. The release cited "dedication, discipline, and commitment" in upholding military values on the international sporting stage.
₱1 Million From Heroes Golf Tournament Turned Over to AFP Educational Benefit System Office
The same November 9 ceremony included the formal handover of ₱1 million in proceeds from the Heroes Golf Tournament to the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO), the AFP Public Affairs Office said in its release. General Nafarrete received the donation on the EBSO's behalf. The EBSO administers educational assistance programs for AFP personnel and their dependents.
Senior AFP Officials Present at the Ceremony
First Chief Master Sergeant Feliciano M. Lazo, the AFP Sergeant Major, was also in attendance at the awarding event, along with the two awardees, according to photo documentation released by the AFP Public Affairs Office.
Photo credit: PFC Carmelotes PN(M) / PAOAFP
Source: AFP Public Affairs Office